Successful Route 1 congestion relief project using shoulder as travel lane expands in South Brunswick
Cars allowed to use the shoulder from Promenade Boulevard
(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the expansion of the Route 1 congestion relief pilot project utilizing the shoulder as a travel lane during peak morning and evening commuting times in South Brunswick.
The project, which began in late June and allows cars to use the shoulder as a travel lane Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Route 1 northbound and southbound from Independence Way to Raymond Road will be extended a half mile on the northern end from Raymond Road to Promenade Boulevard in the Southbound direction.
Route 1 is three lanes before and after this section of the highway, causing a bottleneck and delays where the three lanes merge to two lanes. The goal in utilizing the shoulder as a travel lane during peak periods is to keep traffic flowing, reduce congestion, and improve safety.
Initial data indicates the project has been successful as a growing number of drivers are using the shoulder as a travel lane during the morning and evening commute, and there has been a reduction of congestion as average speeds through the project corridor have increased in both directions.
The extension of the project to allow cars to use the shoulder beginning at Promenade Boulevard in the southbound direction is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 28 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Trucks may not use the shoulder as a travel lane. Use of the shoulder will be restricted at all other times.
NJDOT will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of this project, which was designed to last six months. This may be adjusted depending on the operational and safety data gathered during the pilot program. If the project continues to be successful, NJDOT will consider making this a permanent improvement.
Variable Message Signs will be used to provide advance notification to motorists of traffic pattern changes associated with the project. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.
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